The Writhlington Schools’ International Orchid Project is now in its thirtieth year and a new generation of students from the two schools were on hand for the award of ‘Outstanding’ from Britain in Bloom, delivered by Pam Young and Sean Fletcher, Secretary and Chair of the Radstock in Bloom Committee.

In this most recent competition the judges noted ‘the knowledge and orchid expertise of the children who hosted their visit’, congratulated the Schools on their ‘overseas conservation projects in Sarawakand Rwanda’, and commended the project for ‘combining excellence in science, horticulture, enterprise and conservation.’

Year 9 student, Kate Harman, explained: “We had a great day with the In Bloom Judges last summer and are thrilled at the result announced. They wanted to know about everything we do.

“It is amazing to be awarded Outstanding by Britain in Bloom. We are really pleased that we can be part of Radstock in Bloom and help win Radstock a Gold Medal.”

Teacher Simon Pugh-Jones added: “Students are involved in lots of exciting projects this year and are working to help Bristol University and Oxford University Botanic Gardens, as well as our partners in Borneo and Africa.”